Staying very cold with widespread ice

2 December 2010

Snow is expected over many parts of the UK over the next few days, although it is unlikely to significantly add to snow already lying. Now, with very low temperatures forecast to last through the weekend and into next week, the focus switches to the ice risk.

During Friday and Saturday, a wintry mix of rain and sleet is expected to cross the country from the west, with the chance of further snow for a time almost anywhere. Although there may be a slight thawing of lying snow untreated surfaces will quickly become very icy.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Frank Saunders said: "The quieter conditions tonight will come at the expense of some very low overnight temperatures. Even major cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham could see minus 10 °C or below."

During the cold spell, there have been some exceptional snow fall totals over many parts of the UK.